LETTER XXXI.WilliamtoEmilia.
Young Landbergen, through the interest of his father and some other friends, is again restored to his office. He seems to have a fixed resolution to adhere to his promise, and his old father is revived now he sees his son returned to virtue. What a satisfaction for my friend, who has produced this reformation. Yesterday in my presence he returned him a thousand thanks. You have taught me to know what is true happiness, Mr. Grandison, exclaimed he; I at last see that a wicked life is no life; how dear have I paid for my licentious pleasures, by my uneasy remorse. Every day I fell into new errors. Every day they produced new difficulties. What an advantageto the mind to be satisfied with itself. How happy it is when in the evening we can reflect upon the day without being ashamed of our conduct. Formerly I was afraid to pray to God, because I had not sufficient resolution to alter my conduct; but now I feel that a prayer affords me comfort. I dare hope that the Supreme Being has again received me into favour. I lately dreaded the sight of my father as if he was an enemy, now he is my bosom friend. My former companions treat me with a kind of disdain, and that disdain is my triumph. Yes, interrupted your brother, it is your triumph; you have now the esteem of better men, you make your father’s life comfortable, and you will not miss the truest satisfaction. I am sorry that we are so soon to part, will you allow me to correspond with you? Will I? answered Landbergen; it would make me very happy. You cannot think howmuch he is improved in his appearance since his return to virtue, I can scarcely believe that the handsome young man I now see, is the same being whose looks almost terrified me.
Our departure for London is fixed for the 26th of next month. We often count the hours for we all long to see you. Your brother has just been making me laugh. He is the life and soul of the whole house; we shall all soon laugh together, till then adieu.
WILLIAM.
WILLIAM.
WILLIAM.
WILLIAM.